Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped down as Chennai Super Kings captain, with Ruturaj Gaikwad replacing the legend ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024 season that starts from Friday onwards. For the second time, Dhoni is now, 42 years old, called quits from captaincy. He did so in the IPL 2022 season as CSK named Ravindra Jadeja, who then quit midway through the event, handing Dhoni back the reins. With the future in mind, Dhoni has moved the baton to a younger star. With this decision, one could see Dhoni retire from cricket after the 2024 season. So, this could be his final campaign.
Dhoni has had an incredible journey in the premier 20-over competition since its inception in 2008. He has been the most successful and longest-serving captain. He has also lifted the joint-highest number of IPL honours (5 alongside Rohit Sharma).
As an era ends, we decode Dhoni’s highs and lows as captain in the IPL alongside his crunch numbers.
Highs
His consistency and success with the franchise
Dhoni led the Super Kings to eight straight top-four finishes from 2008 to 2015. It’s important to know that the team finished runners-up on four counts during this phase and lifted two titles in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
CSK were out of the IPL for two years, and upon return, Dhoni successfully led them to the trophy in 2018. He then won two more honours in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Dhoni has been a five-time runner-up with CSK (also in 2019) and a five-time champion, leading the team to 10 finals, which is an IPL record.
His numbers tell a story
As per ESPNcricinfo, Dhoni captained in 226 matches. He went on to win 133 matches and lost 91 times (N/R 2). His win percentage of 58.84 is the highest among skippers in the cash-rich league to have led in 50 or more matches. For CSK alone, Dhoni led on 212 occasions, winning 128 and losing 82 matches (N/R 2). His staggering win percentage of 60.95% is mind-boggling.
Dhoni remains the second-highest scorer for the Yellow Army with 4508 runs in the competition. He has smashed the most sixes by a CSK player (209) and the second-highest number of fours (316).
Dhoni, who managed Rising Pune Supergiant for one season, has the second-highest number of runs as captain in the IPL. His tally of 4660 runs is only behind former RCB skipper Virat Kohli (4994). Dhoni owns the most sixes as captain in IPL history (218). Overall, the veteran is one of the seven players with over 5000 runs in the competition. He has 5082 runs at 38.79 and a strike rate of 135.91.
Dhoni played his part in the IPL finals for CSK
In the 2008 edition, CSK lost to Rajasthan Royals, but Dhoni smashed a 17-ball 29* at a strike rate worth 170.58. CSK managed 163/5 before losing.
In the IPL 2010 final, Dhoni contributed with a 15-ball 22 in the win versus MI. He also impacted the crucial run out of Abhishek Nayar when MI were 66/1 in the chase.
In the IPL 2011 final, Dhoni hit a 13-ball 22 versus RCB after the openers set a 159-run stand. Dhoni led CSK to a third successive IPL final in 2012 and chipped in with an unbeaten nine-ball 14. However, KKR won, chasing 191.
A fourth straight final in IPL 2013 saw Dhoni smash an unbeaten 45-ball 63. He was the lone warrior in a chase of 149 versus MI as CSK lost (125/9).
In the IPL 2015 final, Dhoni smashed a 13-ball 18 in a one-sided defeat versus MI. In the IPL 2018 final, Dhoni didn’t bat but was effective with the stumping of an in-form Kane Williamson (47). CSK beat SRH comfortably.
In the IPL 2021 final, Dhoni marshalled his troops to perfection in a clinical win over KKR. In the IPL 2023 final, Dhoni’s magic moment, he ensured Shubman Gill’s dismissal. He knocked off the bails in no time.
Dhoni got the best out of his players
MS Dhoni didn’t always have the best squads at his disposal. However, he made even average sides look good. He also excelled when CSK built solid squads. His way of handling superstars and youngsters spoke volumes. Dhoni read the game beautifully and was always brave in his decision-making. He trusted his troops to deliver in crucial moments, which paid off. Notably, all of the mega stars did exceptionally well under Dhoni. Matthew Hayden, Shane Watson, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina, Fat du Plessis, and Ravindra Jadeja are some major players who will do well for CSK under MSD.
Lows
A poor campaign for RPS in 2016
Dhoni had a dismal IPL 2016 season for the RPS. He led the side that year but never quite managed to get the best out of the team after eight defining campaigns with Chennai. RPS finished seventh out of 8 teams with five wins and nine defeats. In 12 innings, Dhoni scored 284 runs for RPS but struggled with his strike rate.
Axed as RPS skipper in 2017
Dhoni was axed by RPS ahead of the 2017 season, and Steve Smith was appointed as the captain. RPS owner Sanjiv Goenka confirmed back then that Dhoni did not step down but the franchise appointed Smith. Goenka said RPS did not have a good 2016 season and they wanted someone young to lead the side and revamp it. As per a Crictracker report, Dhoni was said to be miffed by the decision and had to be persuaded by RPS management to continue as a player.
Pain of IPL 2020 and 2022
In IPL 2020, CSK ended up second-last with 12 points on the board. Dhoni was criticised for his overall show and decision-making. He was rusty with the bat after announcing his retirement from international cricket earlier. In the same season, fans criticised Dhoni for changing the umpire’s mind about wide calls. He had a poor campaign, scoring 200 runs with a poor strike rate of 116.27.
IPL 2022 saw Jadeja kick-off as captain after Dhoni handed the baton. CSK had a poor start, and Jadeja quit after 8 games. CSK finished second-last with 10 defeats and four wins. Although CSK performed perhaps their worst in a season. Dhoni showed enough meat as a batter. However, CSK weren’t ready to have Jadeja as captain with a sudden move from Dhoni to step down.
Dhoni may have had a few lows in the premier 20-over league, but his highs are more, and one would hope he shows character. At 42, Dhoni will still have a role to play. He could once again bat low down the order and protect his body.